No. 3 Clemson improved to 3-0-0 when it beat No. 7 Creighton before almost 3,000 fans on Oliver Shannon‘s goal in the first minute. The Englishman was played through Creighton’s back four on apass from Iman Mafi and scored his goal of the season to the near post from six yards out, beating Creighton keeper Alex Kapp, son of former U.S. international Erhardt Kapp.
Creighton’s best chance came in the second half when Clemson goalkeeper Ximo Miralles turned aside Ricardo Perez‘s shot, and Lucas Stauffer‘s ensuing corner kick was headedby Riggs Lennon off the crossbar.
Clemson had its chances in the final 20 minutes, but Kapp made three saves to keep match close. The best came with three minutes to play when hestopped Costa Rican Diego Campos.
“I am very pleased with the win tonight,” said Clemson coach Mike Noonan. “The crowd was fantastic and carried us through the final minutesof a tough match. Character wins one-goal games and we showed that this evening. We have a long way to go, but it was a complete effort. Creighton is a great team, and this is a great win for us andour program.”
All three Clemson wins have been by one goal. The Tigers opened with 2-1 victories over South Carolina and Providence. Next up: No. 2 North Carolina on Friday.
